Plastic packaging with tamper evidence

ABSTRACT

Plastic packaging including a bottom portion, a complementary lid formed separately and independently from the bottom portion, and a tamper evidence lock including a frangible portion, the tamper evidence lock having a first portion integrally formed with the lid and a complementary second portion integrally formed with the bottom portion, for locking the lid to the bottom portion when the first portion is locked to the second portion forming the tamper evidence lock, and a method of providing tamper evidence.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plastic packaging, in general and, inparticular, to plastic packaging including tamper evidence.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional plastic packaging includes a bottom portion, which is acontainer that holds the products, and a lid to close the container.Plastic containers can be formed by several different technologies. Oneknown technology is thermoforming, typically vacuum forming.Conventional thermoformed packaging having tamper evidence includes asingle clam shell-like unit including an integrally manufactured lid andbottom portion, hinged to one another by a flexible plastic hinge. Thismeans that they must both be made of the same material, of the samethickness and the same color.

A second technology for forming plastic packaging is injection molding.Plastic containers formed by injection molding are typically formed oftwo separate parts, a lid and a bottom portion, which may be formed ofdifferent materials, and/or of different colors, if desired. However,injection molding for food packaging requires polypropylene as the rawmaterial and has a very high tooling cost, so the molds for thesecontainers are very expensive.

Many types of tamper evidence are known in packaging that makeunauthorized access to products inside the container easily detectable.Frangible or break-away locks and one-way pull-tight and ladder lockswhich cannot be reattached are also used.

Tamper evidence can be provided on injection molded and on thermoformedpackaging. Typically, tamper evidence in clamshell packaging is providedby the hinge portion that connects the two parts of the clamshell thatmust be torn in order to open the packaging. Tamper evidence can also beprovided on two part packaging, typically only on the lid, or only onthe bottom part of the container, a portion of which must be torn off inorder to permit separation of the lid from the bottom portion to openthe packaging.

Accordingly, there is a long felt need for inexpensive but effectivetamper evidence on a two part packaging, and it would be very desirableif this tamper evidence lock is arranged on the two parts of thepackaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plastic packaging formed from a bottomportion and a complementary lid that are separately and independentlyformed, preferably, although not necessarily, by thermoforming. Whencoupled to one another, the lid and the bottom portion form a tamperevident lock that must be broken in order to open the packaging andseparate the lid from the bottom portion. Separately thermoforming thelid and the bottom portion permits the use of a lid that issignificantly thinner than the bottom portion, resulting in savings inmanufacturing costs. In addition, the lid and the bottom portion can beformed of different materials and/or of different colors, as desired.

Thus, there is provided, according to the present invention, a plasticcontainer including a bottom portion, a complementary lid formedseparately and independently from the bottom portion, and a tamperevidence lock including a frangible portion. The tamper evidence lockhas a first portion integrally formed with the lid and a complementarysecond portion integrally formed with the bottom portion, for lockingthe lid to the bottom portion when the first portion is locked to thesecond portion forming the tamper evidence lock.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the lid and the bottomportion are formed independently by thermoforming.

There is also provided, according to embodiments of the invention, amethod for providing tamper evidence for a plastic container, the methodincluding forming a lid having an integrally formed first portion of atamper evident lock, separately and independently forming acomplementary bottom portion having an integrally formed second portionof the tamper evident lock, the tamper evident lock including afrangible portion, placing the lid on the bottom portion, and lockinglyengaging the first portion and the second portion of the tamper evidentlock so as to frangibly lock the lid to the bottom portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood and appreciated fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident plastic packagingconstructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG. 1, once thefrangible portion is removed or folded away;

FIG. 3a is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident lock of FIG.1;

FIGS. 3b to 3e are sectional illustrations of the method of operation ofthe tamper evident lock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident plastic packagingconstructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG. 4a , oncethe frangible portions are removed or folded away;

FIGS. 5a to 5d are sectional illustrations of the operation of thetamper evident lock of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 6a is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident plastic packagingconstructed and operative in accordance with another alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6b and 6c are schematic illustrations of the packaging of FIG. 6a, once the frangible portions are partially and completely removed orfolded away, respectively;

FIGS. 7a and 7b are sectional illustrations of the tamper evident lockof FIGS. 6b and 6c , respectively;

FIG. 8a is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident plastic packagingconstructed and operative in accordance with a further alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8b is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG. 8a , oncethe frangible portion is partially and completely removed or foldedaway;

FIG. 8c is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident lock of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9a is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG. 8a , oncethe frangible portion is removed or folded away;

FIG. 9b is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident lock of FIG.8a , once the frangible portion is removed or folded away;

FIG. 9c is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG. 8a in theopen orientation; and

FIG. 9d is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident lock of FIG. 9a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plastic packaging having tamperevidence. In particular, it relates to plastic packaging including abottom portion which contains the goods or products, a complementary,separately and independently formed lid, and a tamper evident lock,portions of which are formed on the lid and complementary portions ofwhich are formed on the bottom portion. The complementary portions ofthe tamper evidence lock are locked to one another after filling thecontainer such that the packaging can only be opened by breaking thelock. When the lock is broken, it provides evidence of possible openingof the lid from the bottom portion. Thus, a frangible plastic lock, thatprovides tamper evidence, is formed of two portions complementary to oneanother, one integrally formed with the lid and one integrally formedwith the bottom portion and arranged to lock to one another after thecontainer is filled. Preferably, the edges of the lid fit securely intoan undercut or groove or channel in the inner wall of the bottom portionor in another relatively inaccessible portion of the bottom portion. Inthis way, it is very difficult to insert a finger or tool and pry,partially or completely, the lid from the bottom without tearing orremoving the frangible portion. In this way, the lock provides anindication of whether the package has been opened and the contentspossibly tampered with.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic illustration oftamper-evident packaging 10 constructed and operative in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. Packaging 10 includes a lid 12and a complementary bottom portion 14. Lid 12 and bottom portion 14 areformed individually and independently, preferably, although notnecessarily, by thermoforming. A first portion of a tamper evident lockis formed on the lid 12 and a second, complementary portion of the lockis formed on the bottom portion 14. In this embodiment, the frangibleportion of a tamper evident lock 16 is integrally formed with bottomportion 14. Tamper evident lock 16 includes a frangible breakaway orfoldable component 18 which cannot be reattached after tearing orbending. Frangible portion 18 may be defined by perforated or scoredlines or lines weakened in any other known manner. This prevents accessto the goods inside the packaging until the packaging is opened, anddemonstrates that the packaging has not been opened. Once the frangibleportion is removed or folded away, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, theuser can open the packaging by separating the lid from the bottomportion.

FIG. 3a is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident lock 16 ofFIG. 1 in use. Goods (not shown) have been inserted into the packagingbottom portion 14 and the bottom portion is closed with the lid 12. Thesecond portion of the tamper evident lock 16 that is integrally formedwith the bottom portion 14 is sealingly coupled to the complementaryfirst portion, here illustrated as a locking member 17 that isintegrally formed with the lid 12.

FIGS. 3b to 3e are sectional illustrations of the method of locking thetamper evident lock of FIG. 3a . As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 3b, the second portion of the tamper evident lock 16 of this embodimentincludes three portions—a base portion 20, a frangible portion 18, and alocking portion 22, separated by weakened lines 23 and 25. Base portion20 defines an upstanding protrusion 24. Locking portion 22 includes alocking recess 26 which is configured to frictionally engage acomplementary locking recess 28 on the first portion of the tamperevident lock 16, namely, a locking member 17 integrally formed with thelid 12.

When the packaging has been filled (not shown), the lid 12 is placed onthe bottom portion 14, such that the edge 13 of the lid frictionallyengages the upper edge 15 of the bottom portion. See FIGS. 3b to 3e ,enlarged illustrations of the tamper evident lock of FIG. 1. In thisposition, protrusion 24 of base portion 20 of the tamper evident lock 16is located beneath and adjacent to locking recess 28 of the lid.Frangible portion 18 and locking portion 22 are now folded along scoredor perforated or otherwise weakened lines 23 and 25, and locking recess26 is pressed into complementary locking recess 28 until the lid islocked to the base, as by snap fit of the first and second portions ofthe tamper evident lock. The distal end 27 of the locking portion 22rests against and engages a portion of the lid. In this way, the lidcannot be separated from the bottom portion and the tamper evident lockcannot be disengaged and unfolded without breaking the frangible portion18. If desired, the tamper evident lock can be further strengthened bydefining an undercut (not shown) in the portion of the lid against whichlocking portion 22 rests and locking portion 22 can be slightly longerthan the locking member 17. In this way, the distal end 27 of lockingportion 22 can be inserted into the undercut, thereby providingreinforcement to the tamper evident lock.

FIGS. 4a to 5d are schematic illustrations of tamper-evident packaging30 constructed and operative in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4a is a schematic illustrationof tamper-evident packaging 30 in a closed and locked orientation.Packaging 30 includes a lid 32 and a bottom portion 34. Lid 32 andbottom portion 34 are formed, individually and independently,preferably, although not necessarily, by thermoforming. A first portionof a tamper evident lock is formed on the lid 32 and a second portion ofthe lock is formed on the bottom portion 34. Packaging 30 is similar topackaging 10 but the frangible portion of tamper-evident lock 36 isintegrally formed with lid 32 instead of with bottom portion 34. Tamperevident lock 36 includes a frangible breakaway or foldable component 38which cannot be reattached after tearing or bending. Frangible portion38 may be perforated or scored or weakened in any known manner. Thisprevents access to the goods inside the packaging until desired, anddemonstrates that the packaging has not been opened. In the illustratedembodiment, two tamper-evident locks 36 are provided, one on either sideof the packaging.

In order to gain access to the goods (not shown) in the bottom portion34 of the packaging of FIG. 4a , the frangible portion 38 must be tornand removed. Once the frangible portion is removed or folded away, asshown schematically in FIG. 4b , the user can open the packaging byseparating the lid from the bottom portion.

FIGS. 5a to 5d are sectional illustrations of the tamper evident lock ofFIG. 4b . The first portion of tamper evident lock 36 of this embodimentincludes three sections—a top section 40, a frangible section 38 and alocking section 42. Top section 40 defines a depending protrusion 44.Locking section 42 includes a locking recess 46 which is configured tofrictionally engage a complementary locking recess 48 on the lockingmember 37 of the second portion of the lock, on the bottom portion 34.

When the packaging has been filled (not shown), the lid 32 is placed onthe bottom portion 34 such that the edge 33 of the lid frictionallyengages a channel 35 formed by the upper edge of the bottom portion. Inthis position, protrusion 44 of top portion 40 of the tamper evidentlock 36 is disposed above and adjacent to locking recess 48 of thebottom portion. Frangible portion 38 and locking portion 42 are nowfolded along scored or perforated or otherwise weakened lines 43 and 45and locking recess 46 is pressed into complementary locking recess 48until the lid is locked to the bottom portion by the tamper evidentlock, as seen in FIGS. 5c and 5d . The distal end 47 of the lockingportion 42 rests against and engages a depending skirt on locking member37 of the lid.

If desired, the tamper evident lock can be further strengthened bydefining an undercut (not shown) in the portion of the lid against whichlocking portion 42 rests and locking portion 42 can be slightly longerthan the locking member 37. In this way, the distal end 47 of lockingportion 42 can be inserted into the undercut, thereby providingreinforcement to the tamper evident lock.

It will be appreciated that, in these embodiments, the tamper evidentlock is structured in such a way as to allow the user to bend or shapeit into place. Once it is snap-fit or pressed into place, there is noaccess to edges of the packaging to permit someone to separate the lidfrom the bottom portion and the tamper evident lock cannot be disengagedand unfolded without breaking the frangible portion.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a to 7b , there are shown schematicillustrations of tamper-evident packaging 50 constructed and operativein accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Packaging 50 includes a lid 52 and a separately and independently formedbottom portion 54. Packaging 50 preferably is formed by thermoforming,although other methods of manufacture can, alternatively, be employed.Packaging 50 includes a tamper evident lock 56, a first portion thereofbeing formed on lid 52 and a second portion thereof being formed onbottom portion 54. Tamper evident lock 56 includes a frangible breakawayor foldable portion 58, which may be perforated or scored or weakened inany known manner. In this embodiment, frangible portion 58 is integrallyformed with bottom portion 54. A locking member 57 on the lid isarranged for interlocking engagement by the snap-fit of its edges underthe tamper evident lock. Once the frangible portion is removed or foldedaway, as shown in FIG. 6c , the user can open the packaging byseparating the lid from the bottom portion.

FIGS. 7a and 7b are sectional illustrations of the tamper evident lockof FIG. 6a . As can be seen, tamper evident lock 56 of this embodimentincludes three sections—a base section 60, frangible section 58, and alocking recess 62. When the packaging has been filled (not shown), thelid 52 is placed on the bottom portion 54. As the lid is pressed intoplace, locking member 57 engages locking recess 62 and creates thetamper-evident lock. In this way, the lid cannot be separated from thebottom portion and the tamper evident lock cannot be disengaged andunfolded without breaking the frangible portion.

FIGS. 8a to 8c are schematic illustrations of tamper-evident packaging70 constructed and operative in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention in a sealed orientation. Packaging70 includes a lid 72 and a separately and independently formed bottomportion 80. Packaging 70 preferably is formed by thermoforming, althoughother methods of manufacture can, alternatively, be employed. Bottomportion 80 defines a peripheral channel 82 and a central recess 84 forreceiving goods to be packaged. Lid 72 is an integral lid having threeparts. A sealing portion 74 is substantially coextensive with the bottomportion 80. Sealing portion 74 includes a depending ridge 76 adapted andconfigured to frictionally and sealingly engage peripheral channel 82 ofthe bottom portion. An openable and re-closable portion 78 of lid 72 isaffixed by a hinge 79 to sealing portion 74. Lid 72 also includes atamper-evident lock 90 having a first, frangible portion 92 formed onthe lid. Frangible portion 92 is disposed in registration with a recess86 in bottom portion 80, which serves as a second portion of the tamperevident lock 90.

As shown in FIGS. 9a to 9d , breaking frangible portion 92 oftamper-evident lock 90 permits openable portion 78 of lid 72 to beseparated or torn from sealing portion 74 to provide access to goodsinside central recess 84. Frangible breakaway or foldable portion 92 maybe perforated or scored or weakened in any known manner.

It will be appreciated that, since the lid and the bottom portion of thepackaging of the present invention are separately and independentlyformed, they can be formed of different materials, of the same materialbut of different thicknesses, of different colors or textures, or in anyother fashion that is desired. Suitable materials include not onlypolypropylene, but also MPET, polystyrene, and other suitable polymers.In addition, a heat-sealed foil can be provided to cover goods in thepackaging before the lid is sealed to the bottom portion, if desired.This is the case for any of the embodiments described or illustratedherein.

It will further be appreciated that, in each of the embodiments of theinvention, tamper evidence is provided by a tamper evidence lock havinga first portion integrally formed with the lid and a second portionintegrally formed with the bottom portion. When the first portion islocked to the second portion, the tamper evidence lock is createdbetween the lid and the bottom portion. The tamper evidence lockincludes a frangible portion which, when broken, provides access to anedge of the lid so that the lid to be removed from the bottom portion toopen the packaging, and provides evidence that the packaging has beenopened.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations,modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Itwill further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to whathas been described hereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, theinvention is limited solely by the claims which follow.

1. Plastic packaging comprising: a bottom portion; a complementary lidformed separately and independently from the bottom portion; and atamper evidence lock including a frangible portion; the tamper evidencelock having a first portion integrally formed with the lid and acomplementary second portion integrally formed with the bottom portion,for locking the lid to the bottom portion when the first portion islocked to the second portion forming the tamper evidence lock.
 2. Theplastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the bottomportion are formed independently by thermoforming.
 3. Plastic packagingaccording to claim 1, wherein: the first portion includes a top portion,a frangible portion, and a locking portion; the top portion defines adepending protrusion; the locking portion includes a locking recess; thesecond portion includes a complementary locking recess on a lockingmember of the bottom; and the locking recess in the locking portion isconfigured to frictionally engage the complementary locking recess onthe locking member.
 4. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein:the second portion includes a base portion, frangible portion, and alocking portion; the base portion defines an upstanding protrusion; andthe locking portion includes a locking recess; the first portionincludes a complementary locking recess on a locking member on the lid;and the locking recess in the locking portion is configured tofrictionally engage the complementary locking recess on the lockingmember.
 5. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the firstportion includes a base portion, frangible portion, and a lockingportion; the base portion defines an upstanding protrusion; and thelocking portion includes a locking recess; the second portion includes acomplementary locking recess on a locking member on the bottom portion;and the locking recess in the locking portion is configured tofrictionally engage the complementary locking recess on the lockingmember.
 6. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the firstportion includes a locking member on the lid arranged for interlockingengagement by the snap-fit of its edges under the tamper evident lock.7. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the tamper-evidentlock includes a first, frangible portion formed on the lid; and thesecond portion of the tamper evident lock includes a recess in thebottom portion; wherein the frangible portion is disposed inregistration with the recess in the bottom portion.
 8. The containeraccording to claim 1, wherein: the bottom portion includes a channelformed in an inner wall of the bottom portion; and the lid includes anedge configured to frictionally engage the channel.
 9. The containeraccording to claim 1, further comprising an undercut against which thelocking portion of the lock rests for receiving a distal end of thelocking portion, thereby providing reinforcement to the tamper evidentlock.
 10. Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the firstportion includes a top portion, a frangible portion, and a lockingportion; the top portion defines a depending protrusion; the lockingportion includes a locking recess; the second portion includes acomplementary locking recess on a locking member of the bottom; and thelocking recess in the locking portion is configured to frictionallyengage the complementary locking recess on the locking member. 11.Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the second portionincludes a base portion, frangible portion, and a locking portion; thebase portion defines an upstanding protrusion; and the locking portionincludes a locking recess; the first portion includes a complementarylocking recess on a locking member on the lid; and the locking recess inthe locking portion is configured to frictionally engage thecomplementary locking recess on the locking member.
 12. Plasticpackaging according to claim 2, wherein: the first portion includes abase portion, frangible portion, and a locking portion; the base portiondefines an upstanding protrusion; and the locking portion includes alocking recess; the second portion includes a complementary lockingrecess on a locking member on the bottom portion; and the locking recessin the locking portion is configured to frictionally engage thecomplementary locking recess on the locking member.
 13. Plasticpackaging according to claim 2, wherein: the first portion includes alocking member on the lid arranged for interlocking engagement by thesnap-fit of its edges under the tamper evident lock.
 14. Plasticpackaging according to claim 2, wherein: the tamper-evident lockincludes a first, frangible portion formed on the lid; and the secondportion of the tamper evident lock includes a recess in the bottomportion; wherein the frangible portion is disposed in registration withthe recess in the bottom portion.
 15. The container according to claim1, wherein: the bottom portion includes a channel formed in an innerwall of the bottom portion; and the lid includes an edge configured tofrictionally engage the channel.
 16. A method for providing tamperevidence for a plastic container, the method comprising: forming a lidwith an integrally formed first portion of a tamper evident lock;separately and independently forming a complementary bottom portion withan integrally formed second portion of the tamper evident lock; thetamper evident lock including a frangible portion; placing the lid onthe bottom; and lockingly engaging the first portion and the secondportion of the tamper evident lock so as to frangibly lock the lid tothe bottom.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step oflockingly engaging includes folding one of the first portion and thesecond portion of the tamper evident lock until it engages thecomplementary portion.
 18. The method according to claim 16, furthercomprising inserting a distal end of an edge of the lid into an undercutdefined in a portion of the packaging against which the locking portionrests, thereby providing reinforcement to the tamper evident lock. 19.The method according to claim 17, further comprising inserting a distalend of an edge of the lid into an undercut defined in a portion of thepackaging against which the locking portion rests, thereby providingreinforcement to the tamper evident lock.